Best Cheap TVs for Gaming

Devote more of your budget to buying new video games when you shop from our list of the best budget TVs for gaming. Offers.com believes you don't need to overspend on a quality television to use with any home console. We rank our latest picks for affordable gaming TVs based on user reviews, image quality, extra features, and other factors.

Sceptre X322BV-HDR 32 Inch LED Class 720P HDTV

LG 24LJ4540-WU 24-Inch 720p LED TV

Sceptre U438CV-UMC 43-Inch 4K LED TV

Our Score: 6.8/10On Amazon(58 Reviews)

Check Price

On Amazon.com

10th

Hitachi 22E30 22 Inch Class FHD 1080p LED HDTV

Our Score: 6.5/10On Amazon(57 Reviews)

Check Price

On Amazon.com

About Cheap TVs for Gaming

Gamers might be tempted to splurge on a brand new TV with 4K resolution and all the latest advances in picture performance. But most gamers also have to spend a lot already on new video games, so a budget-friendly TV will be the way to go. That doesn't mean, however, you have to sacrifice too much image quality or special features in a bargain gaming TV. We'll help guide you through several options that include smart TV capabilities and support resolutions above 1080p.

About Cheap TVs for Gaming

Not every gamer can spend big on the latest 70-inch 4K TV. You likely spend enough on new consoles, video games, and online gaming subscription services. But it's not hard to find a quality TV for an affordable price, and they still often have the latest bells and whistles such as smart TV software. You can get TVs with resolutions that range from 720p to 1080p for under $400. And TVs with new 4K and HDR capabilities will continue to decrease in price during the coming years, so it's not hard to find 4K TVs for less than $1,000.

But first, it's important to decide if you want to buy a cheap gaming TV now, or go ahead and spring for a high-end model. A cheap TV might be better if it's for a kid's room or a secondary gaming room. You might prefer a cheap TV if you are a PC gamer who only plays on a console every now and then. There are plenty of reasons to go the cheaper route, but one reason to choose expensive models might be for future-proofing. Since more expensive models have the latest built-in tech, they'll be ready to support new advances in entertainment down the road. If you new console comes out in a few years, there's no guarantee your 1080p TV will be able compatible with it.

If a cheap gaming TV is still on your shopping list, here are a few things to consider before you buy today:

Refresh rate: The refresh rate is the frequency at which an image refreshes per second on a display. A higher refresh basically means a smoother framerate, which is a must for any gamer. A 60Hz refresh rate is fairly common, but it's not hard to find TVs with 120Hz rates at affordable prices.

Game mode: Many TVs might come with a "game mode" setting for consoles. This is meant to solve the common issue of input lag. That's when they're a noticeable delay between inputting a command on a controller and seeing the result on the TV. When you switch to game mode, this helps reduce any input lag. The only tradeoff is that you might sacrifice your refresh rate and screen resolution.

4K TVs: If you already own a PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X, you'll waste their capabilities if you don't buy a TV with 4K resolution and HDR for better contrasts. Lucky for you, 4K TVs are starting to become more affordable as each year passes. You can find a few 4K options for under $1,000, which could be a better investment in the long run. A 1080p TV just won't look the same for ultra high-definition gaming.

Screen size: Budget TVs are often more restricted in their overall display size. You likely won't find a 70-inch or larger TV for under $400, or at least not a good one that will last long. But you can find plenty of our affordable suggestions in the 50-inch class range, which is the sweet spot for gamers who might not have space to spare. You can also try to get a TV with a thin bezel along the edge, which makes your screen look a bit bigger.

You'll still be able to find low-cost gaming TVs with other useful features. Almost every TV of good quality comes installed with smart TV features, such as Roku streaming with instant streaming access to TV shows and movies. It's also not hard to find a TV with ports besides HDMI, such as USB and Ethernet for connecting devices that aren't your console.

For suggestions based on brands, one of the top manufacturers of affordable TVs is TCL. You'll find numerous TCL TVs that have the best overall value without sacrificing quality. Sony and LG are also notable brands to stick with if you want a TV that will last for a while without hurting your budget. In the end, get a gaming TV that only costs what you're willing to pay for so you can spend more on the games you love.